Argentina confirm new captain to replace Lionel Messi
Lionel Scaloni said the 28-year-old defender will succeed Lionel Messi and has already captained Argentina several times.
- Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed Cristian Romero will become the new captain following Lionel Messi's retirement, marking the end of an era for Albiceleste.
- Romero, a 28-year-old defender, previously captained the squad during an October 2025 friendly against Venezuela and a 2026 World Cup preparatory match against Mauritania. He had served as third captain behind Messi and Nicolas Otamendi.
- Scaloni justified the choice, stating, "Cuti is the right one," while acknowledging other experienced candidates including Emiliano, Lautaro, and Rodrigo could also wear the armband.
- Upcoming friendlies against Bolivia, Burkina Faso, and Benin will serve as the first test for Romero's leadership at the back of the defense.
- Romero's appointment marks a generational change for the national team as his leadership will be tested while the squad moves forward without their longtime captain, Messi.
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(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Bae Jin-nam = Defender Cristian Romero, a teammate of midfielder Lee Kang-in at Atletico Madrid (Spain), [mentioned] 'God of Football' Lionel Messi (In...
Lionel Scaloni has officially confirmed Cristian "Cuti" Romero as the new captain of Argentina, following Lionel Messi's retirement from international football. Speaking at a press conference ahead of the upcoming friendlies against Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Benin, the Albiceleste coach announced that the defender will take the captain's armband, having previously been one of the group's key figures. At the Argentine Football Association (AFA) t…
Daily Post Nigeria
Flying EzeArgentina confirm new captain to replace Lionel Messi
Argentina head coach, Lionel Scaloni, has officially confirmed that Cristian Romero will become the new captain of the national team. Romero will inherit the captain’s armband once Lionel Messi plays his last game for his country. Scaloni made this known ahead of their upcoming friendly games against Bolivia, Burkina Faso, and Benin. The decision to […] Argentina confirm new captain to replace Lionel Messi
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